High school will be a new experience for you. Everything seems to be changing. There will be new rules, new teachers, many attention-grabbing activities, increasing personal independence and responsibilities to deal with. Finding a way through this maze is challenging.

You will need support from adults: teachers, counselors, administrators and especially your parents. Be sure to talk with them. Include them in all the opportunities that will be presented to you throughout high school.

Periodically, material will be presented to you in classroom groups, providing pertinent high school information, i.e., “Program of Studies,” activity lists, “Four Year Plan,” etc. Be sure to keep this material for future reference. Be alert and pay attention because at some point you will need to know this information.

Hopefully your high school years will be full of good memories. Becoming involved in clubs or activities will increase your chances for fun and success. Involvement in student activities is an important aspect of your high school career. It has been found that participating in clubs and sports raises self-esteem. It gives you “ownership” in the school. You become part of the process of making your school a better place. Activities are also a way to meet people, develop leadership abilities and gain recognition.

You must start taking more responsibility for planning your educational goals. Utilize all available resources to aid you in making wise decisions.